The Centenary W.A. TT
Past Event
As the name suggests the run commemorates a famous 150 mile Tourist Trophy Race (W.A. TT) first held in October 1912. The WA Motorcycle Club (WAMC) was formed in 1912 and the Club became a very active organisation conducting various motor cycle trials and races. The WAMC organised the first W.A.T.T. on a course over public roads which were little more than unsealed bush tracks.
The start was at the Norwood Hotel, Lord Street, East Perth with entrants departing at intervals based on a handicap system. The 150 mile race went from Perth to York, Northam, Lloyds Crossing and returning to Perth. The first race was held on the 21st.October 1912 with some 14 starters and only 8 riders completed the event. An achievement to be appreciated considering the machines and road conditions at the time. The first place went to an entrant riding a 2 ¾ HP New Hudson in a time of some 4 hours and 23 minutes at an approximate average speed of 34 miles/hour (55 km/hour).
The VMCCWA has re-enacted the Inaugural W.A. T.T. each year since 1975. The WA TT will be held this year on 20 October will be the Centenary W.A. TT celebrating the last 150-mile road race on public roads in W.A. Recent research uncovered the fact that the last race was run after the war and not in 1915 as had been previously believed. The First World War made racing impractical during the war’s duration. After the war local Road Boards were reluctant to approve racing on public roads due to the danger and risk of injury to normal road users. However in 1919 the W.A. Motor Cycle Club obtained approval to again run the W.A. TT. This event turned out to be the last held. The full story of why this is so will soon be published in a short history of the W.A. TT written by Murray Barnard.
The theme for the 2019 W.A. TT will be to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the last 150-mile race held in 1919. ride ride with display in York.
Participant’s bikes must be licensed (club or full) and 25 years or older. Starting from Mundaring Station Masters House car park, cnr Nicol & Jacoby streets Mundaring.
Meet 9-9.30am – Bikes under 70kph off at 10.00am. Bikes over 70kph off at 10.30am.
Travel to York via Gt Eastern Hwy and Lakes roadhouse. Arrive in York for Display and refreshments. Return via Northam, Toodyay, Gidgegannup, Stoneville to Mundaring start . Mundaring Pub for refreshments. There is plenty of trailer parking and public toilets at the start. Route sheets will be provided.
Contact Stephen Hills 0413678604 steve.mag@icloud.com for details.